We are at a point in history where principles and values MUST be deemed more important than
political posturing, and where service MUST be held above career preservation. Frankly, we need leadership – not the kind of leadership where
we write letters, call for news conferences, and run through the motions of “looking” as if we’re doing something, but the kind of leadership that
produces results. We need the kind of leadership that motivates people and the kind that holds people accountable.

We can blame the Democrats all we want for
the problems we have now, but the truth is that we bear some of the responsibility as well. There are some on our side of the aisle who have been in Congress for decades that could have made a
difference, but for whatever reason, chose not to do so. There are also those in Congress who have served honorably. They have nothing to prove and
absolutely NOTHING to lose; yet who, instead of taking a risk, have decided to hide in the sand and not rock the boat. In times like this, that’s not good enough. My hope is that we can find the right man for the right time.

Time will tell, it always does…

Since it isn’t mentioned above, I’ll just say for the record that Rigell is a definite fiscal conservative and social conservative (pro-life, etc.). Rigell’s fundraising is a great indication of his strength as a candidate since he not only out-raised incumbent Glenn Nye, but he did it with a broad base of community support (rather than simply loaning himself $500,000 like Ben Loyola).

In a crowded field, it looks like Rigell has the name ID, local financial support, conservative credentials and grassroots support needed to beat Glenn Nye. It is high time we bring this seat back in the red where it belongs!

One question on McPadden: Would you characterize him as a straight up Paulista? If so, then perhaps there will be more national tinkering than I first surmised.